1. Welcome to 6 th Grade Core Jann Geyer Room 308, WCI

2. What is core?  Core is made up of three periods during the school day.  It covers Social Studies and English

3. Family Concept  Students are placed in “families” to provide smaller, more manageable groups of 6 th grade peers. Students in a core family share the same math teacher, science teacher and one of two core teachers.  Your child is in this family: Jann Geyer - core Kirsti Davis- math Mike Delnista- science

4. Language Arts includes  reading,  writing,  spelling,  grammar, punctuation, and  vocabulary development

5. Literature  The Language of Literature McDougall Littell Publisher  Variety of Novels: Color of My Words, Seed Folks, Boy of the Painted Cave, Single Shard, and choice novels  Independent reading program: Accelerated Reader

6. Reading Thoughts  Students should read each and every day of their lives.  We know that our students who stay on grade level read two million words a year, including summer reading.  Reading matters.

7. Writing  We write daily.  We will write narrative/memoir, an I Search (a beginning research paper), a traditional research paper, poetry, editorials, non-fiction, and response to literature.

8. Writing Thoughts  Students should write everyday- in class to show that I value it enough to spend precious time on writing.  And at home- to explore genres and topics outside of school expectations.  Writing well serves people in all walks of life.

9. Vocabulary and Spelling  Vocabulary: Wordly Wise  A formal vocabulary program that all the Core 6 classes use. We’ll schedule one lesson every three weeks.  Spelling: We'll use the Wordly Wise words as one source of spelling words, and student’s writing as another.

10. Ancient Civilizations  Archaeology, early humans, and early ancient civilizations of the world: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Kush, Israel, India, China, Greece, Rome.  Ancient Civilizations, Glencoe.  We also use activities from TCI, which emphasizes multi-sensory learning and problem solving skills.

11. Homework  Homework philosophy: Homework should not be onerous. It should involve practicing skills learned in class.  Reading for 25 minutes is a nightly homework assignment always. There are no exceptions.  Writing is a 15 minute nightly activity as well. Practice makes better. It also makes it easier to sit down and do it.  Use a timer to help reluctant readers and writers.

12. Grading - tests and quizzes  Tests and quizzes: are the assessments that give students and teachers feedback if the material is being studied or understood. Tests and quizzes are graded in the traditional way.

13. Grading - projects  We have a few projects throughout the year. They are graded on following directions, incorporation of lessons taught, understanding, insight, and effort.  I often give extra credit for projects completed for under $10.

14. WCI grading policy  6 th grade core classes follow the grading guidelines for WCI.  Attempt to turn in all work on time.  Students are responsible for work they miss when they are absent. They have time to make up their work with no penalty.

15. Grades  Grades are posted approximately every two weeks. A progress report will be sent home mid-quarter from the core family teachers. If you have questions or want an update in between, please email me with a request.  jgeyer@wcsd.k12.ca.usjgeyer@wcsd.k12.ca.us

16. Potential Trouble Spots  Not taking advantage of class time provided for work  Not reading directions  Not completing homework  Not turning in work, even though it is done.

17. Parents Help Students  Read the website.  Check your student’s backpack and planner nightly.  Set a timer for reluctant readers and writers. Reward them for fulfilling the time obligation.  Email me and check in for weekly grade reports.

18. Parents Can Help The Classroom  Books you no longer need in your libraries can serve more readers here.  If you have time and inclination, you can help provide one on one attention to a student in need.  Particular knowledge or skill to share? Let’s talk.

19. All Core 6 Activities (maybe due to $ and program decimation) 1. Civic Arts walking trip to pottery studio 2. Classroom visits by an drama specialist and fine artist 3. Greco-Roman field day at the end of school in June

20. Communication  Feel free to contact me with questions or concerns. The best way to reach me is by email.  jgeyer@wcsd.k12.ca.us jgeyer@wcsd.k12.ca.us  925-944-6840 x8308

21. Contact Information  Jann Geyer  Room 308  jgeyer@wcsd.k12.ca.us jgeyer@wcsd.k12.ca.us  Homework website: http://www.walnutcreeksd.org http://www.walnutcreeksd.org  AM Core 2 nd,3 rd, and 4 th periods  PM Core 5 th, 6 th and 7 th periods